Australia’s deadly jobs pay disgrace

SHOCKING new research has found Australians who put their lives on the line by working in the nation's deadliest jobs are barely getting paid above the average wage.

An analysis of Safe Work Australia and ABS data conducted by comparison site finder.com.au has revealed the country's riskiest industry - agriculture, forestry and fishing - pays just $1032 more per year than the average Australian income.

Earlier this year, agriculture, forestry and fishing was found to be the most dangerous industry in the country for the third year in a row.

In 2016, the industry recorded 44 deaths on the job, but despite the inherent danger involved, the average agriculture, forestry and fishing worker is paid just $76,630 per annum, compared with the average national earning of $75,598.

Manufacturing is the country's fourth most dangerous industry, but workers are typically paid slightly below the national average.

The most highly paid of the top 10 most dangerous industries is mining at $141,872 on average, followed by those in electricity, gas, water and waste services who earn an average of $105,030 per year.

Australia’s 10 most dangerous industries and their average income. Picture: finder.com.au